Kolkata, 06 October (H.S.) : West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari cast his ballot on Tuesday during the Nandigram assembly by-election, reaffirming his enduring political connection with his former constituency. Speaking to reporters after voting at the Nandanayakbar polling station, Adhikari stated that he would remain a registered voter of Nandigram until his last breath. He also addressed the detention and arrest of Aam Janatha Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief Humayun Kabir during bypoll proceedings in Rejinagar.

Adhikari stated that nobody stands above the law, maintaining that Kabir was arrested for breaching statutory election regulations by moving within the restricted perimeter of a polling center.

Around 10:45 AM, the Chief Minister departed from his residence, Shantikunj, to exercise his franchise. Near the polling venue, he stepped away from his official security convoy and traveled the final stretch in an electric rickshaw (toto). After casting his vote, Adhikari interacted briefly with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for Nandigram, Hasirani Rath, before addressing media personnel regarding his ties to the constituency.

Adhikari observed that although he receives state security as Chief Minister, electoral rules apply equally to everyone. He explained that regulations prohibit lingering outside polling premises or campaigning near booths, which prompted him to leave immediately after voting. He reiterated that Election Commission protocols must be enforced uniformly without exception.

Addressing the circumstances surrounding Kabir’s arrest in Rejinagar, Adhikari pointed out that unauthorized movement is strictly prohibited within 200 meters of any polling station. Emphasizing that Kabir is the sitting legislator for Nowda and not a contesting candidate in Rejinagar, Adhikari noted that his presence in the restricted zone led to the confrontation with law enforcement personnel.

Earlier on Tuesday morning, Kabir engaged in a sharp argument with police personnel in Rejinagar when officers intercepted him as he moved toward a polling booth from his party office. Kabir accused the administration of partisan bias before police personnel detained him and subsequently placed him under formal arrest.

Assessing the electoral atmosphere in Nandigram, Adhikari expressed satisfaction with the proceedings, noting that polling had progressed peacefully despite by-elections typically recording lower turnouts. He voiced strong confidence in the BJP's prospects, projecting a record margin of victory.

Adhikari’s political association with Nandigram remains a defining feature of his career. In the general assembly elections, he secured victories from both Bhabanipur and Nandigram. In accordance with statutory requirements permitting representation of only one seat, he relinquished Nandigram while retaining Bhabanipur. Despite vacating the legislative seat, Adhikari reaffirmed that his political and personal commitment to the people of Nandigram remains unchanged.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh